Apr. 1: Stanley Cup final cancelled; Manitoba Hydro formed; Grace Hospital handed over.

April 1, 1919 - It was announced that the final game of the Stanley Cup final series between the Montréal Canadiens and Seattle Metropolitans will not be played due to an outbreak of 'Spanish' flu that struck most of the Canadiens team.

A few days later, Brandonite and Canadiens defenseman Joe Hall died which ensured that the series would not be resumed. The Stanley Cup was not awarded that year. For more see my post The Death of Joe Hall.

April 1, 1932 - The Manitoba Provincial Police force was absorbed by the RCMP.

April 1, 1933 - The R.M. of East Kildonan declares bankruptcy. The province had to assume control of the municipality's debt and most spending decisions. It took until 1952 for E.K. to be masters of their own spending again !

April 1, 1961 - Two provincial Crown corporations, the Manitoba Hydro Electric Board and Manitoba Power Commission, merge to create Manitoba Hydro.

April 1, 2008 - The Salvation Army formally hands over the administration of the Grace Hospital to the WRHA. The current building dates back to 1966 but there has been a Salvation Army Grace Hospital operating in the city since 1904.

© 2012, 2020 Christian Cassidy